Improving energy efficiency to attract tenants

As the cold sets in and energy prices start to rise, households in Britain will be looking for ways to keep their bills to a minimum without having to spend the winter mornings shivering in the shower.

So with the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) releasing a list of tips encouraging tenants to keep an eye out for properties with strong energy efficiency credentials, it's a good idea for landlords to take note.

Ian Potter, ARLA's managing director, says that energy costs are becoming increasingly important to people in the private rented sector as they aim to save money in any way they can - and this is where landlords can help.

It's important to remember that there are plenty of measures that improve a property's energy rating without having to invest in large scale projects such as installing solar panels - everything from LED lights to replacing old appliances can make a difference.

Whether it's investing in a new boiler, fitting double glazing or improving cavity wall insulation, landlords can improve the green credentials of their properties and make them more attractive to tenants - a factor that could boost their profits in the long-term.

Indeed, with energy saving measures becoming ever more important to Britain's households, people will be drawn to homes that enable them to make savings on their bills, so it's sensible for landlords to start reacting to the trend now.

What's more, with letting advertisements set to be legally required to carry the Energy Performance Certificate rating of a property, investors can make their assets more marketable if they are able to boast a high score in the efficiency stakes.

However owners choose to make their holdings more carbon friendly and cut the cost of bills, it's vital that they remember to protect their own financial interests with landlord insurance policies.